Crestview, Florida

Sec. 10-23. – Release of an animal.

(b) Adoption of an animal.

(1) Animal services shall not permit a person to adopt a companion animal from the shelter if animal services determines that adoption would not be in the best interest of the animal or the public.

(2) Any dog or cat adopted from animal services shall be sterilized, vaccinated, and microchipped by animal services prior to release to the new owner. If the sterilization of the animal cannot be done at the time of adoption because of health reasons, then the person shall leave a deposit guaranteeing sterilization, as required by F.S. § 823.15.

(3) To be eligible for the return of the required adoption deposit for any dog or cat, the adopter shall present to animal services written documentation confirming sterilization of the animal from the veterinarian who performed the sterilization within 30 calendar days of the adoption occurring.

(4) If an adopter fails to comply with this section within the time specified, then the adopter shall forfeit the deposit and animal services may issue a citation. Pursuant to F.S. § 823.15(2), an adopter who fails to comply with the provisions of this section, shall be liable for legal fees and court costs to enforce the provisions of this section.

(c) Transfer of an animal. In the event that an animal is transferred to an animal welfare organization prior to sterilization, the organization must enter into a written agreement with animal services, pursuant to F.S. § 823.15, as amended, ensuring that the animal will be sterilized within 30 days or prior to sexual maturity. The animal welfare organization shall vaccinate the animal against the threat of rabies if the animal is four months of age or older prior to another owner readopting the animal or prior to returning a community cat to the field. Organizations shall provide to animal services, at a minimum, the following information:

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(2) The date of sterilization and name and address of veterinarian;